PEER RELATIONS AS A PREDICTORS OF PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING OF UNDERGRADUATES IN PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES IN ANAMBRA STATE

Abstract

This study investigated peer relations as a predictor of psychological well-being among undergraduates of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu university, Igbariam campus, Anambra state. Two research questions and two null hypotheses stated at 0.05 level of significance guided the study. The study adopted correlational research design. A total of 261 undergraduates constituted the sample of the study. The simple and stratified random sampling techniques were employed in drawing the sample of the study. Data were collected using the Peer Relations Questionnaire (PRQ) and the Psychological Well-being Scale (PWBS). The data collected were statistically analyzed using simple and multiple regression statistics. The result of data analysis showed that peer relations significantly and positively predicted psychological well being of undergraduates and peer relations also significantly and positively predicted psychological well-being of male and female undergraduates in Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu university, Igbariam campus. The study recommended that educational psychologists and counsellors should assist students build interactive classroom environment with suitable motivational strategies that will foster positive peer relations as well as promote psychological well-being which is essential to mitigate the negative effects of poor peer relations.